FBM KLCI slips with banking stocks as US-China trade spat lingers

KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): The FBM KLCI slipped 5.61 points or 0.3% to its intraday low after investors sold KLCI-linked banking stocks in the final trading minutes. Lingering concerns on the US-China trade spat continued to dictate world market sentiment.

At Bursa Malaysia, the KLCI closed at 1,709.75 points at 5pm as Public Bank Bhd and Hong Leong Bank Bhd shares ended among Bursa Malaysia top decliners. The KLCI erased gains after rising to its intraday high at 1,728.69 points.

Reuters reported that Asian stock markets bounced on Wednesday following a wobbly morning session that highlighted the lingering anxiety and uncertainty surrounding a heated trade dispute between China and the United States. In Asia, bargain hunters turned up to pick up shares on the cheap after the previous day's rout.